Serve Indiana

Introduction

Indiana has a vast network of organizations that come together during disaster to help the community recover. During a disaster, Serve Indiana works alongside government and community organizations such as:

In times of disaster, Serve Indiana serves as state government’s liaison to Indiana’s voluntary sector.

Serve Indiana’s Role

Immediate AssistanceIn the event a local unit of government declares a state of emergency, Serve Indiana activates to offer support under Emergency Service Function 14 (ESF 14). Critical to this mission is the receipt, deployment, and maintenance of immediate humanitarian aid to victims of a natural or human-intended disaster.

Long Term RecoveryServe Indiana and its INVOAD partners support long-term community recovery, which include duties such as: (1) social and economic community impact assessment; (2) long-term recovery assistance to victims; and, (3) mitigation.

How We Communicate

During a disaster, Serve Indiana communicates with the public through the use of social media sources like Facebook and Twitter. Visit our Contact Us page to learn how to connect. Individuals in need of disaster related services should contact Connect 2 Help or dial 211 on a phone. Community organizations, nonprofits, and volunteer groups should contact Indiana VOAD.

How You Can Help

Everyone is moved when they hear the news that disaster has struck a community. By learning the best ways to donate and volunteer, we can all make a huge difference in the lives of those affected.

The most effective donation is a financial contribution to a recognized disaster relief organization. When the public supports these voluntary organizations with financial contributions, it helps ensure a steady flow of important services to the people in need after a disaster.

A financial donation:

Is the most needed and the most efficient way of helping those impacted by disaster.

Volunteer with a recognized organization involved in disaster response and recovery prior to the next disaster event. There are many organizations and faith-based groups in your community that have active disaster programs and need volunteers.

Volunteer with a nonprofit organization and be trained before the next event to find meaningful volunteer opportunities following a disaster.

March 2 Recovery is still seeking skilled volunteers to assist tornado victims in Southern Indiana.

The generosity and kindness of people around the country does a lot to help communities heal from the tragic consequences of disasters. Confirm what is needed by volunteer organization BEFORE taking action!

Donate in-kind goods that are specifically requested or needed by recognized organizations.

Unsolicited donated goods such as used clothing, miscellaneous household items, and mixed or perishable foodstuffs require helping agencies to redirect valuable resources away from the greatest needs so they can provide services to sort, package, transport, warehouse, and distribute items that may not meet the needs of disaster survivors.

If you have a quantity of a given item or class of item to donate, and you need help in determining which organizations to give to, you can make your offer through the National Donations Management Network.